Bandai

Another tidbit of SDCC news coming out of Star Wars Celebration. Tamashii Nation’s Movie Realization line is continuing and a ‘Prototype’ version of the Ronin Boba Fett will be an SDCC exclusive and will also be available online via a Bandai website. More details as they become available. Thanks to and photo from @bobafettfanclub (www.bobafettfanclub.com).

BANDAI Co., Ltd., a Japanese toy company, announces a worldwide tour of figure display events to be held in 10 cities over the course of the year in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of its TAMASHII NATIONS brand of collectible figures.

The twofold aim is to thank all of the TAMASHI NATIONS fans who have supported the brand, and to spread the word about TAMASHII NATIONS to even more potential fans across the globe.

TAMASHII NATIONS is proud to announce the third event in the annual series. TAMASHII NATIONS 10th Anniversary WORLD TOUR: NEW YORK CITY will be held at Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall in Manhattan on April 29th-30th.

The event will center around new products from the DRAGON BALL series (the latest incarnation of which, DRAGON BALL SUPER, is now airing in the US), and the MEISHO MOVIE/MANGA REALIZATION action figure series of popular STAR WARS and MARVEL UNIVERSE characters re-envisioned in Japanese samurai style. In addition, popular anime characters from NARUTO and SAILOR MOON, plus characters already well known to fans from the WWE franchise and GODZILLA series, will also be on display. Other interactive opportunities are planned as well, such as a “touch and try” corner allowing fans to interact with the actual products and a photo spot for taking fun pictures. A total of 9 commemorative products will make their world debut for sale on-site as well.

The World Tour kicked off in December, 2016 in Sao Paolo, Brazil. It was followed by Hong Kong in February, and coming up in April, New York City, which will follow up with June, in Mexico. The worldwide celebration will continue with exciting new events and product unveilings in other cities leading up to October of 2017, with the final stop, TAMASHII NATION2017, being held in November in Tokyo — a spectacular event commemorating the 10 year history of the beloved brand.

Bluefin, the leading North American distributor of toys, collectibles, and hobby merchandise from Japan, expands its line of officially licensed Marvel inspired action figures from Tamashii Nations with the announcement of the S.H.Figuarts Doctor Strange & Burning Flame Set.

Scheduled for a June 2017 release in the U.S., the 1/12-scale Doctor Strange set includes a uniquely colored burning flame effect that will be available exclusively from Bluefin. The fully poseable recreation of the superhero sorcerer features the lifelike facial expressions of Benedict Cumberbatch, which are replicated with superb detail utilizing Tamashii Nations’ proprietary digital coloring print technology.

Collectors building their own personal Marvel toy universe will not want to miss the release of the S.H.Figuarts Iron Man Mark VI and Hall of Armor Set in April. The Iron Man Mark VI and Hall of Armor is the first S.H.Figuarts Marvel item officially available for domestic collectors and features the extraordinary level of detail that has made the S.H.Figuarts line a favorite among fans and retailers worldwide.

Both Doctor Strange and Iron Man figure sets will be available from authorized Bluefin retailers nationwide and from a variety of leading online outlets. Pre-orders are available now (AwesomeToyBlog sponsor Entertainment Earth has Dr. Strange and Iron Man).

S.H.Figuarts Dr. Strange & Burning Flame Set

Height: Approx. 6 inches · MSRP: $84.99 · Available June 2017

You might think you’ve entered the Mirror Dimension when you see these out of this world accessory parts included in the S.H.Figuarts Doctor Strange & Burning Flame Set. The array of interchangeable flame and magic effect parts allow you to truly bring to life the fantastic world of superhero sorcerer Doctor Strange. The set includes interchangeable head part, interchangeable hand parts, interchangeable hand parts for effects, effect parts, and several burning flame effects.

S.H.Figuarts Iron Man Mark VI and Hall of Armor Set

Height: Approx. 7 inches · MSRP: $119.99 · Available April 2017

Recreate Tony Stark’s lab with the S.H.Figuarts Iron Man Mark VI and Hall of Armor Set! The S.H.Figuarts Hall of Armor project begins with the iconic Mark VI suit from Iron Man 2, Iron Man 3 and the Avengers, revamped with a completely refined sculpt. The spectacular Hall of Armor includes LED light-up features in the front, back and sides to illuminate one’s armor collection. Set includes interchangeable hand parts, interchangeable shoulder part set, interchangeable leg armor set, and effect parts set, and various Hall of Armor attachment accessories.

Bluefin, the leading North American distributor of toys, collectibles, and hobby merchandise from Japan, Hong Kong and more, opens pre-orders for an extraordinary new release as it details Bandai’s Soul of Chogokin Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Megazord.

Scheduled for retail release in May 2017, the Soul of Chogokin Megazord set is a spectacular example of Bandai’s proprietary Chokogin engineering and features high-end die-cast renditions of the iconic Power Ranger Dinozords – Tyrannosaurus, Mastadon, Triceratops, Saber-toothed Tiger and Pteradactyl that can combine into a hefty and intricately detailed giant robot that stands over 10 inches tall.

Bluefin showcased the Soul of Chogokin Power Rangers Megazord for the first time ever in combined robot form at the recent 2016 New York Comic Con. Fans will not want to miss the opportunity to add this meticulously crafted, die-cast enhanced masterpiece to their own collections.

The new Soul of Chogokin Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Megazord will be available from authorized Bluefin retailers nationwide and also from a variety of leading online outlets. Pre-orders are available now. The official description and pics are below.

Soul of Chogokin Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Megazord

Height: Approx. 10 inches · MSRP: $299.99 · Available May 2017!

Megazord sequence initiated! The Megazord makes its long awaited debut in the Soul of Chogokin line with exquisite detail and a fully articulated combined robot mode capable of recreating the most dynamic poses from Mighty Morphin Power Ranger. The set features combinable, high-end die-cast versions of the iconic Dinozords – Tyrannosaurus, Mastadon, Triceratops, Saber-toothed Tiger and Pteradactyl. And just as depicted in the show, the five zords can combine to form the massive Beast Tank Dino Tanker just before the final transformation into the giant Megazord.

Bluefin, the leading North American distributor of toys, collectibles, and hobby merchandise from Japan, Hong Kong and more, returns to the East Coast’s biggest pop culture convention – New York Comic Con – with an exclusive array of new and soon-to-be-released products from Bandai Shokugan, Bandai Hobby and Tamashii Nations.

An impressive array of these unique collectibles will be available for exclusive on-site purchase during the 2016 New York Comic Con – in advance of their wider, general retail release. Additional select items will be available for exclusive pre-order. Bluefin’s Bandai Shokugan, Bandai Hobbyand Tamashii Nations products will be located in Booth #1612.

The 2016 New York Comic Con takes place October 6th – 9th at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in Manhattan. The annual event plays host to the latest and greatest in comics, graphic novels, toys and collectibles, anime and manga, video games, movies, and television. Additional information on New York Comic Con is available at: http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com.

This year, Bluefin is pleased to open the show with a must-see display of Bandai’s Soul of Chogokin Power Rangers Megazord — depicted for the public for the first time ever in combined robot form. This latest release from the impressive Soul of Chogokin line is set for release in Spring 2017 and features combinable, high-end die-cast versions of the iconic Dinozords – Tyrannosaurus, Mastadon, Triceratops, Saber-toothed Tiger and Pteradactyl.

Also catch special ADVANCE RELEASE exclusives at Bluefin that include Tamashii Nations’ S.H.Figuarts releases of Naruto Shippuden’sSasuke Uchiha (Itachi Battle), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ Raphael and Dragon Ball Z’s Super Saiyan Vegeta. These highly anticipated figures will be available at NYCC about a month ahead of their general North American retail release.

GunPla and modelling fans will be excited for exclusive 1/100 and 1/144 scale Gundam product from Bandai Hobby that include:

HG FULL ARMOR GUNDAM THUNDERBOLT THEATRICAL CLEAR VERSION – Very Limited Quantities!! Available for sale only on Friday, October 7th$37.00

HG PSYCHO ZAKU THEATRICAL LIMITED CLEAR VERSION – Very Limited Quantities!! Available for sale only on Friday, October 7th $37.00

The final regional qualifier for the 2016 GunPla Builders World Cup also will be held at NYCC with many amazing custom models on display from talented builders; Takes place October 6th–8th.

Don’t miss this very special trio of the latest Tamashii Nations S.H.Figuarts releases:

Sasuke Uchiha (Itachi Battle) “Naruto Shippuden”

Height: Approx. 6 inches · MSRP: $58.00

Next in the S.H.Figuarts Naruto series (with an all new sculpt and superior articulation) is Sasuke Uchiha represented with his Itachi Battle design. Sasuke comes with interchangeable face parts that are specially made to recreate the final climactic scene with his older brother, Itachi. The set also features interchangeable hand parts and facial expressions, weapon accessories, and chidori effect parts. Also be sure to check out the S.H.Figuarts Itachi Uchiha, sold separately.

Raphael “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”

Height: Approx. 6 inches · MSRP: $63.00

The first-ever S.H.Figuarts version of perennial fan favorite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are being released featuring their original colors from the classic animated series! The “cool but rude” Raphael is the 3rd Turtle to join the series and comes complete with his classic weapon, two sais. The sais can be stored on Rafael’s belt which also comes with interchangeable parts. The set includes interchangeable hands and head, sai parts, optional weapons (kunai, shuriken), and additional interchangeable belt parts.

Super Saiyan Vegeta “Dragon Ball Z”

Height: Approx. 5.3 inches · MSRP: $58.00

“I am Super Vegeta!” S.H.Figuarts adds a new portrayal of the legendary Super Saiyan. Replicate key poses from the series while using optional facial accessory parts to capture his full range of expressions! Set includes parts letting one also re-create his traditional crossed-arms pose – a series first. Collectors can even display him alongside Super Saiyan Trunks (sold separately) for a father-son scene. Set includes the 5.3inch figure, three interchangeable facial expression accessories, multiple interchangeable hands, and one set of crossed arms.

Bluefin, the leading North American distributor of toys, collectibles, and hobby merchandise from Japan, Hong Kong and more, prepares an extraordinary release as it opens pre-orders for the forthcoming new Chogokin Toy Story Combination Woody Robo Sheriff Star and the highly anticipated Chogokin Toy Story Combination Buzz the Space Ranger Robo.

The new releases are stunning examples of Bandai’s proprietary Chokogin engineering. The Chogokin Toy Story Combination Woody Robo Sheriff Star is set for release in December and is composed of 5 memorable characters from the film, including Woody, Bullseye, Slinky Dog, Hamm and Rex that combine to form an impressive giant robot.

The Chogokin Toy Story Combination Buzz the Space Ranger Robo is scheduled to debut in January 2017 and includes individual pieces for Buzz Lightyear, two 3-eyed Aliens, and a Space Shuttle and Big One Rocket that combine to form a similarly impressive robot. In spectacular Chogokin fashion, the Buzz the Space Ranger Robo can combine with the Woody Robo Sheriff Star to form an even larger super-robot that stands over a foot tall!

A video produced by Bandai showcasing the new Chogokin releases is able to be viewed here.

The new Toy Story Chogokin robots will be available from authorized Bluefin retailers nationwide and also from a variety of leading online outlets (links below to go AwesomeToyBlog sponsor Entertainment Earth). Pre-orders for both units are available now.

Woody and friends can combine!? A totally wild, only in Japan re-envisioning of favorite characters from the hit Disney/Pixar Toy Story films! Woody, Rex, Bullseye, Slinky Dog, and Hamm transform and combine to form the giant 9 inch tall Chogokin Woody Robo Sheriff Star! Early orders will also receive a special picture book. The set contains 5 characters: Woody, Bullseye, Slinky Dog, Hamm, and Rex.

The Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear returns and transforms into a giant robot with the help of his space shuttle and alien buddies! But that’s not all. The Chogokin Buzz the Space Ranger Robo also combines with the separately sold Chogokin Woody Robo Sherriff Star to become an imposing 13.7 inch tall super robot! The set includes Buzz Lightyear, Alien 1, Alien 2, a Space Shuttle, and a Big One rocket.

At Tokyo Toy Fair, Bandai premiered a very cool Toy Story Chogokin robot. WOODY ROBOT SHERIFF STAR is the combined form of some of your favorite Toy Story characters – Woody, Rex, Bullseye, Slinky Dog and Hamm. Their combined form stands over 9″ tall. Pre-orders will be available at SDCC and early orders will get a special picture book. The MSRP is $170.

Bandai today hosted a collector’s event showcasing two of their brands for 2016, the ever popular Power Rangers and a new property Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir. Miraculous is a new line of toys focused on a Parisian teenager, Marinette Dupain-Cheng who turns into the superhero Ladybug protecting the city from the villian Hawk Moth with the help of Cat Noir (who’s alter ego is Marinette’s crush Adrian). For this new property Bandai is releasing a line of action figures and a number of fashion dolls and role play items.

Power Rangers is a Bandai staple and Dino Supercharge continues as the Power Rangers theme. In addition, several new Legacy items were announced including the Falconzord, the Might Morphin Blade Blaster and classic ‘morphers in different Ranger colors.

Check out the new Miraculous, Power Rangers and more in the gallery from the Bandai showroom below.

On their facebook page, Bandai America has been revealing their SDCC exclusives for this year’s show. Bandai’s exclusives typically are very limited and require some effort to pick up. As in previous years, tickets are required for purchase and those tickets are distributed in the Sails Pavillion in the morning. The exclusive revealed this far are:

Limited Edition Doraemon METALLIC Vinyl Figure – With only 300 pieces produced and available exclusively from Bandai at fan conventions, this figure is sure to fly away!

Tokyo Vinyl Mighty Morphin Power Rangers White Ranger – the fifth in the series of Limited Edition Mighty Morphin Tokyo Vinyl figures. Only 700 produced, and available exclusively from Bandai America at San Diego Comic-Con!

Limited Edition Mighty Morphin Power RangersDino Charger Power Pack – An exclusive fusion for Dino Charge and Mighty Morphin fans alike. Only 700 produced and available exclusively from Bandai America at San Diego Comic-Con!

Limited Black Edition Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Legacy Saba Saber – This full size collector’s edition of Tommy Oliver’s Saber is made of premium black and gold materials and die cast parts. Only 1,000 pieces produced, individually numbered and in a premiere collector’s box. Available exclusively from Bandai America at San Diego Comic-Con.

Today during Toy Fair, I had the opportunity to tour the Bandai showroom and see all the new product that’s hitting shelves this year. My visit started with the latest range of Power Rangers goods – Dino Charge. This time around, there’s a cool interactive feature where the Ranger’s dinosaur ‘batteries’ give the Morpher, Zords and other toys cool new sounds and lights. Look for the Gold Ranger to be joining the gang later this year.

Also on display were the latest in Big Hero 6 figures (love that there’s a hairy baby figure), Godzilla and the sophomore offerings for Sprukits (new Halo, DC and Pokemon sets).

New properties on display included Doraemon – Gadget Cat from the Future and Hatch’n Heroes – eggs that convert into action figures. These will kick off with Disney characters and dinosaurs will be introduced later in the year.

Finally, Bandai is introducing a new specialty market line, Banpresto. Based on Japanese vending machine toys, these will be available with set release dates at specific release dates. You can see more at the Banpresto homepage.

NYCC is right around the corner and Bandai has announced their exclusives for the show. This year they have three exclusive items and four items that are being offered early at the show. For the exclusives a limited number are available each day and a ticket is needed to purchase. The line for tickets beings at the Bandai booth each day when the show opens. For their FAQ on exclusives, visit here.

It’s been a little over a week since SDCC wrapped up, but I still have a few surprises left up my sleeve from the show. During the show one of the coolest things I got to do happened across the street from the convention center as I spent some time in the Power Rangers suite. The suite was decked out in the latest Power Rangers merchandise – everything from Acme Archives art prints, Bandai’s latest and greatest toys (including the super cool and super shiny SDCC exclusive Dragon Dagger) to Funko’s Power Rangers Pop! vinyls. There was just a ton of cool stuff and I was sure to snap pics of all the products and you can check them out in the gallery below.

The highlight of my visit to the suite was having the chance to talk Azim Rizk, Andrew Gray, Cameron Jebo, Ciara Hanna, Christina Masterson and John Mark Loudermilk – the cast of Power Rangers Super Megaforce. During our chat we learn a bit about what it’s like finding yourself hanging on the pegs of Target and find out who puts their figure at the front of the peg. I also get the cast to give a quick shout-out to the official AwesomeToyBlog Power Rangers guru, Will West. Give it a listen below!

Big Hero 6 is the first Disney animation film with it’s root firmly planted in the Marvel Universe. In the movie a young robotic expert Hiro Hamado and his robot Baymax have to pull a team of heros together to stop a criminal plot. The movie is set to hit theaters November 7th and today I got to preview Bandai’s upcoming line.

The star of the line, of course, is Baymax and he’s available in a couple of different forms at a wide range of price points. The ‘Armor Up Baymax’ was my favorite of the ones I got to check out today. A line of smaller ~4 inch figures of all the main characters is planned – the sculpts, details and decoo on these looked great. Be sure to check out the ones in the Disney Store too, they’ll have a slightly different deco. A selection of role play toys will also be available including an armored wrist/foam fist where you can launch the fist…and Bandai put a pretty good mechanism in there, so you can get some decent distance on it. Kids will love it.

All the toys in support of Big Hero 6 will be in stores this Fall. Check out all the upcoming product for the movie below, and thanks to Bandai for this early look!

Bandai’s SprüKits were one of my favorite new items I saw at Toy Fair this year, the action figure / model kit aspect was something really fresh and the end product looked really good. And they don’t require and glue, scissors or paint. Folks to going SDCC will be able to check them out for themselves as they’ll be on display at the Diamond booth #2401. The entire line will be there which includes DC Comics: New 52 Batman, The Dark Knight Rises Batman, New 52 Superman and Original Comic The Joker. From HALO: Master Chief, Spartan Gabriel Thorne and Spartan Sarah Palmer. TV Tokyo’s LBX powerhouse brand – Achilles, Deqoo, The Emperor and Hunter.

For beginners to those seeking an intense challenge, three different levels offer construction play for all skills with increased complexity and build time, delivering a larger figure with sharper details, increased articulation and poseability. These will be hitting stores in the next month, and if you’re not heading to SDCC – I strong suggest you pick on up and give it a go. Sets will range from $9.99 to $54.99.

When I wrote up the post of Bandai America’s SDCC posts, I left one off the list since all the details weren’t there yet. Over the weekend those last few details fell into place. Bandai’s final SDCC exclusive is the first figure available in support of Disney’s Big Hero 6, a 6″ figure of Baymax. This figure will be $30 at the show and will be available at the Big Hero 6 booth – #3635. Quantities will be limited and to purchase the figure you’ll need a ticket that will be distributed, first come first serve, at that same booth. In a move I wish more vendors would take – exhibitors (who can get on the exhibit hall floor before open, thus getting prime spots in line) can only purchase the figure on Sunday. The official description and preview image are below.

Be the first to own Baymax from Disney’s upcoming feature film Big Hero 6, in theaters November 7, 2014. This six-inch tall First Edition Baymax action figure is armored up for flight and might, where he comes to life with a powerful punching feature straight from the movie. To help him defeat evil, just pull his fist back and let it fly! Baymax comes in exclusive premium packaging with metallic paint decoration on the figure. Available exclusively at Disney’s Big Hero 6 booth at San Diego Comic Con, with limited quantities available each day. Don’t miss out!